Description
About Dr. Andreas Petrakos
Dr. Andreas Petrakos is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at Toronto General Hospital and performing surgeries at Windsor Regional Hospital in Windsor, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). He has expertise in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. He performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. His approach is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
Dr. Petrakos graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in Canada. With over 41 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 1983, he has established a reputation for surgical excellence. He is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring his practice aligns with the rigorous standards of medical excellence and patient safety.
His professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. Dr. Petrakos emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. He utilizes minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to promote quicker recoveries and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient management. Committed to ongoing professional development and surgical excellence, he provides surgical consultations and care in English for patients in Windsor. His dedication is to delivering the highest quality surgical care tailored to each patient's individual needs.
Surgical Conditions Addressed by Dr. Andreas Petrakos
Dr. Andreas Petrakos provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Petrakos addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Protrusion of an organ or tissue through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue.
- Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Blockage that prevents food or liquid from passing through the small intestine or large intestine (colon).
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): Surgical intervention for severe or persistent bleeding from the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract that is not controllable by endoscopic means.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Petrakos addresses involving the surgical diagnosis, staging, and treatment of various types of cancer.
- Thyroid Cancer and other Endocrine Tumors: Management of other endocrine tumors such as parathyroid adenomas or adrenal tumors.
- Skin Cancers (e.g., Melanoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma): May include sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma to guide further treatment.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Andreas Petrakos is necessary.
Surgical Services Offered by Dr. Andreas Petrakos
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
- Post-operative Care and Follow-up: Providing follow-up appointments to assess healing and long-term outcomes.
- Hernia Repair (e.g., Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional - Open or Laparoscopic): Surgical correction of hernias, where an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall or groin.
- Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Advanced surgical techniques requiring specialized training and equipment.
- Colonoscopy: Used for colorectal cancer screening, polyp removal (polypectomy), and investigation of symptoms like rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits.
- Appendectomy (Open or Laparoscopic): Performed using minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery.
Note: This list provides an overview of common surgical areas. Specific procedures and treatment plans are determined on an individual basis after consultation with Dr. Petrakos.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Practice Location & Contact
Dr. Petrakos's primary clinic is located at Toronto General Hospital in Windsor's South Central Windsor neighborhood. The clinic offers a professional, patient-oriented environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at Windsor Regional Hospital, which is accessible via Lauzon Parkway Shopping Area and transit services like Transit Windsor. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. Parking is usually available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible parking spots. The practice is committed to providing accessible, high-quality surgical care in a convenient and welcoming setting for all patients.
Frequently Asked Questions about General Surgery
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Petrakos do?
- Dr. Petrakos, a General Surgeon, is a specialist surgeon who manages a wide variety of common and complex surgical problems. General surgeons are often the primary surgical contact for conditions involving the digestive tract, abdominal organs, hernias, breast diseases, and skin/soft tissue lesions. They are trained in numerous surgical techniques, including minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery, and play a critical role in both planned (elective) operations and emergency surgical situations.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Petrakos?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Petrakos doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Petrakos to assess your condition thoroughly, review any tests, and discuss whether surgery is the most suitable treatment, or if alternative non-operative options should be considered. The final decision is typically made collaboratively between you and Dr. Petrakos after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Petrakos perform?
- Dr. Petrakos, a General Surgeon, performs a wide range of surgeries. These frequently involve organs in the abdomen, such as the gallbladder, appendix, stomach, and intestines. They also address hernias, conditions of the breast, thyroid gland, and skin/soft tissue masses. Depending on the condition and patient, Dr. Petrakos may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Petrakos ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Petrakos may develop particular areas of interest or pursue additional fellowship training in subspecialties. These can include areas like colorectal surgery, breast surgery, endocrine surgery, surgical oncology (cancer surgery), trauma/critical care surgery, vascular surgery, or pediatric surgery. If Dr. Petrakos has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise him brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Petrakos?
- A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Petrakos is usually made by your family doctor or another specialist when a condition is suspected or diagnosed that may require surgical evaluation or treatment. This could include persistent abdominal pain, a new lump or mass (e.g., in the breast or skin), symptoms of gallbladder disease, a hernia, signs of appendicitis, or concerns about colorectal conditions. They also manage conditions initially identified through screening, like colon polyps or early-stage breast cancer.
- Does Dr. Petrakos perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Petrakos to offer minimally invasive surgical options, including laparoscopic procedures. This approach can lead to benefits like reduced pain and quicker recovery times for many common surgeries. The suitability of laparoscopic surgery depends on the specific medical condition and individual patient factors, which Dr. Petrakos would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Petrakos?
- Recovery time after surgery performed by Dr. Petrakos varies greatly depending on the type and complexity of the procedure, whether it was open or laparoscopic, your overall health, and individual healing factors. For minor procedures, recovery might be a few days to a couple of weeks. For more major abdominal surgeries, it could be several weeks to a few months. Dr. Petrakos will provide you with specific post-operative instructions and an estimated recovery timeline for your particular surgery.
Clinic & Licensing Information
Toronto General Hospital
1995 Lens Ave, Eaton North Floor 7, Room 227
Windsor, ON N8W 1L9
Clinic Phone: (519) 562-4068
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Petrakos is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Petrakos for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Petrakos's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Petrakos-Andreas/0037352-51328